Scale-Free Dynamics of Eukaryotic Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Aon Miguel A., Roussel Marc R., Cortassa Sonia, O'Rourke Brian, Murray Douglas B., Beckmann Manfred, Lloyd David
Primary Institution: The Johns Hopkins University Institute of Molecular Cardiobiology
Hypothesis
The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), coupled to redox cycling, driven by cytoplasmic and mitochondrial processes, are at the core of the observed rhythmicity and scale-free dynamics.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and cardiomyocytes exhibit scale-free dynamics in their bioenergetic processes.
Supporting Evidence
- The dynamics in both yeast and cardiomyocytes show fractal scaling over at least three orders of magnitude.
- Applying RDA and PSA to data from an in silico model indicated similar mechanisms regulating scale-free behavior in both systems.
- Attenuating mitochondrial activity with 4-chlorodiazepam showed that oscillation of NAD(P)H and ROS can be abated in both species.
Takeaway
This study shows that tiny parts of cells, like mitochondria, work together in a special way to keep everything running smoothly, almost like a team of musicians playing in harmony.
Methodology
The study used time-series data from yeast and cardiomyocytes, analyzed through Relative Dispersional and Power Spectral analyses to reveal fractal scaling and long-term memory in their dynamics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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